A massive flash flood in northern Nepal has left at least 55 people dead and nearly 400 missing, with 133 Indians reportedly among those unaccounted for, after torrents of water, mud and rocks swept through Rasuwa district near the Nepal-Tibet border.

The disaster struck on Wednesday, severely affecting areas including Timure and Syapru Besi. The sudden surge entered the Bhote Koshi River from the Tibetan side at around 9 am, damaging homes, vehicles, bridges and infrastructure projects.

The scale of the disaster has prompted rescue operations in Nepal and increased vigilance in neighbouring Indian states, particularly Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, which share borders with Nepal.

Massive Flood Sweeps Through Border Region

Officials said the flash flood caused widespread destruction in the Rasuwa region. A mudslide also hit the Tibetan side near the Gyirong border crossing, with casualties and missing people reported there as well.

Security footage from the Chinese side showed people running to safety shortly before a powerful torrent carrying rocks, mud and water surged through the border area.

Buildings and vehicles were swept away, while roads and bridges were severely damaged.

Videos circulating online showed floodwaters moving rapidly through the region, including footage of a bridge being washed away and a house collapsing as people fled the area.

Earthquake Reported Before Disaster

The exact cause of the mudslide and flash flood remains unclear.

However, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported that a 4.4-magnitude earthquake occurred around seven minutes before the timestamp seen on security footage from the area.

This has raised questions over whether seismic activity may have contributed to the disaster, although authorities have not established a direct connection between the earthquake and the flash floods.

Rescue Operations Underway

The Nepal government has launched rescue operations across the affected areas.

However, rescue efforts have faced significant challenges because helicopters have reportedly been unable to land in locations where floodwaters remain dangerously high.

Authorities are continuing efforts to locate missing people and assess the extent of damage caused by the disaster.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an extensive search operation for missing people in Tibet and urged stronger monitoring and early-warning systems to reduce the risk of further disasters.

Bihar Steps Up Vigilance

The flooding has also prompted authorities in Bihar to increase monitoring because of the state's proximity to Nepal and its dependence on rivers originating across the border.

Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit held a video conference with district magistrates and instructed officials in districts along the Gandak and Kosi river systems to remain on high alert.

Authorities are closely monitoring river levels and downstream conditions as floodwaters continue to move through the region.

The situation remains fluid, with rescue teams continuing searches for missing people while authorities assess the damage on both sides of the Nepal-Tibet border.